Rail Museums

You can also go train spotting in NZ’s transport museums. At Auckland’s Museum of Technology and Transport (MOTAT) you can admire an amazing collection of locomotives, wagons, carriages, jiggers, rail buildings and photographs, and you can even go for a ride on a vintage steam locomotive. Other goodies are Pahiatua Railcar Museum near Palmerston North, Pleasant Point Museum near Timaru and Wellington’s Cable Car Museum at the terminus of the Cable Car (a must-do ride!).

Special Rail Tours

In New Zealand you can also book great special rail packages. How about a Tui Brewery Day Excursion up the stunning Kapiti Coast which includes a behind-the-scenes tour, classic Kiwi lunch and rail journey on the luxurious Silver Fern train. Or join the weekend Chateau Grand Ball rail trip which includes your stay at The Chateau Tongariro, the Chateau Grand Ball event, meals plus return rail journey from Wellington or Otaki. Other special train trips include a nostalgic ride on the 100-year-old Bay of Plenty Jazz Steamtrain.